Saturday, October 6, 2012

E Is For Exorcism

Every since I was a little girl, I loved everything macabre and weird. While other kids watched cartoons, I was obsessed with Elvira (another E word), the Addams Family, Munsters, and horror movies. I'm not sure what the very first horror movie I watched was. All I remember is being scared of Watcher in the Woods, yes that silly Disney movie, and Lady In White. To this day, I don't know exactly what happens in either of these movies, but I watched them a hundred times. Something about that quickening of my heartbeat and tickle at the nape of my neck kept drawing me back.

While I really do love horror movies, there are certain ones that give me a jolt of nostalgia. Anything from the eighties works. I absolutely adore the classics, the black and white ones with Bela Lugosi and Vincent Price. I've delved into the Hammer Collection and exhausted the Trauma videos. But there is a certain genre of horror that irks me more than others.

Exorcism and possession movies.

And most notably, The Exorcist.

It is heralded as one of the scariest movies of all times. Okay, that's a pretty big statement, but it just so happens to be one I agree with. Parts of this movie are so twisted and creepy you can't get the images out of your head. I mean, how can anyone forget the scene where she...uh...violates herself with the crucifix. Or spider walk scene where she crawls down the stairs all contorted Years later movies like Ringu tried to hit the creepy nail on the head with similar tactics, but none really hit the mark.

Even the name Regan sends a shiver up my spine.

Now, why do exorcism movies freak me out so much?

Honestly, I'm not too sure. Perhaps it's the idea of not being in control or having something take over your body. But these movies just irk me. I saw the Exorcism of Emily Rose and actually had trouble sleeping. And the trailer for the Devil Inside made my skin crawl. People complained about Paranormal Activity, but I have to admit, I liked it, especially because it was just a bunch of college kids who made it.

Whether it is The Shining, The Last Exorcism, Session 9 or Amittyville Horror exorcism and possession movies hold a special place in the horror movie genres. There aren't a tone of them and they usually aren't as gory or slash-happy, but they always deliver just enough jump worthy moments to keep me entertained. Maybe it's the psychological side that draws me in. Or maybe I just don't want to sleep soundly at night.

2 comments:

Yup, I'm with you. Possession is just uber-freaky. Why it's a theme in Samael et al. Would never EVER watch The Exorcist again. When I was young I adored horror movies - would go to all-night showings at fleapit cinemas. Now? Nah. Weird huh?